I never have- till this year. We went out for an expensive dinner a couple of weeks ago because we never have (we've been living together for nearly 5 years already) and my boyfriend needed a reason to spend so much money because we weren't celebrating anything in particular... So I said valentine's day!

And then yesterday he got me flowers for no reason (and because they're cheaper now than on valentine's day)... And then he let me have 2 fosters.... So it's the best Valentine's day ever, whenever it actually decides to come. I'm not expecting anything on the actual day though.

But frankly, the actual holiday doesn't really mean anything to me. I see the commercialism more than anything sweet... That's why doing it all not on Valentine's day makes it more special I guess.

We don't do anything full out spectacular. My husband thinks it's a highly commercialized day that sucks people (mainly guys) into paying 3x what flowers are worth.

Now having said that...

- He's surpised me with flowers before the day
- He's hid silly balloons around the house with saying like "i love you", "kiss me" and "hugs" for me to find as I went about my day..in the shower, in the coffee maker and where the coffee mugs were.
- He's pampered me for the day, foot rubs, back rubs, breakfest in bed

So we do celebrate, but we don't buy each other crazy expensive gifts. We try and think of something that we can do to make the other feel treasured, not something we can buy. Buying something just doesn't have the same effect.

Actually this way makes me feel more special than him going out and just buying me something - anything.

I believe its a "holiday" created by the commercial establishment. My wife thinks I'm either a conspiracy nut, or just looking for an excuse to get out of it ...therefore, we will either go out to a nice dinner (if we can find a place that isn't all booked) or I'll make a nice one at home, and she'll probably get some flowers and an overpriced watse of paper card!

I don't know why but all my past Valentine's days have turned out so bad! haha.. One time this ex bought me this huge bag of random candies and i felt bad and tried to eat it all and i couldn't look at candy for a year after that. Mind you I threw out half of that bag.

and a few years ago for Valentine's day I baked this other unfortunate soul, some cookies and they came out really bad. Yet he still ate them but I could tell he wasn't enjoying himself haha.

I don't think you need a day for romance. I think random acts of romantic gestures are so much more appreciated than some husband/bf/married man you're seeing who feels forced to give you candy in fear he won't get any for a month.

Just for interest...the north American markets took St. Valentine's like they did Christmas and made it very commercial...here is some history if you guys are interested

The roots of St. Valentine's Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year.

Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year (a change that no doubt disappointed a few young men). Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. For Roman men, the day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name.

There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the Middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)
and there you have it folks

lol, cpietera! Actually, that was very interesting!
I really equate Valentines Day with "young love" and kids making and exchanging cards.
However, it can be for any age.. and my husband sometimes brings me flowers, and I usually get him a card.
It's the commercial hype that brings with it some sense of "obligation", but still... nice to recieve some little token of love.

That is so sweet that you got the flowers for no occassion, Prin! To me.. those are the best kind!

Speaking of kids and Valentines... I dont believe they allow this is schools anymore,and havent for a long time.. but remember the random giving out of Valentines in class?

A terrible distinction between the "popular and "unpopular kids.. I usually fell into the lower Valentine "count" my "ranking" rather dismal, but even then I always felt so sorry for the poor litttle kids who came up empty-handed.
How utterly devastating this could be for a youngster!:sad:

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When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself - Wayne Dyer

We usually don't do much except spend some quality time with each other. We usually buy stuff for each other, but it's very small and not expensive. This year, however, I told Jim he needs to do something nice and go out of his way for me -- WE'LL SEE. I've pointed out how much I've done for him in the past few months with this move and told him he needs to pay me back. Keep your fingers crossed!! I'm looking for some major bling bling!

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Stupid People Have Stupid Children, Hence All The Ignorance In The World!

I always complain about what a "hallmark" holiday Valentine's day is and how commercial and cheesy it is. However, I just got dumped 3 days ago, and it's funny 'cause now I'd give anything to be with him on a stupid "hallmark" holiday.....

Amiga Girl - why not have the kind of Valentine's Day you'd like to have? My friend recently left a longterm relationship and it's the first time in a long time she's been single on Feb 15th. She said she's so tired of having crappy valentine's days that this year she's going to do it her way. So far this consists of:

- a massage and manicure/pedicure at a spa
- lobster for dinner
- she's buying herself a pair of earrings she's been eye-balling for a while now also

OR - she's contemplating going someplace and renting a cabin with a fireplace and spa services

I told her she'd have to be careful or the next guy would never be able to stand up!

Valentines Day is a very special day it is Buddy's Birthday so I spend the day spoiling the most important man, you know the one that loves you even when you get mad at them, can never be close enough.

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Robin
A dog has so many friends because they wag their tails not their tongues.
R.I.P. Buddy 2002-2008 The best Mastiff ever.
Now owned by Clark the Crazy American Bulldog

my bf & I used to celebrate with a big expensive gourmet dinner - but now we have a house, 2 cats, a dog, and are pretty much poor...so we just have a nice romantic dinner at home now.

our last attempt at a fancy dinner was a few years ago, on our way to our fancy-pants dinner, his throat swelled up.... my fancy-pants dinner was a bag of stale doritos & a soda from the vending machine in the ER. the hospital staff let me spend the night though, even against policy - since it was valentines day, and my bf was awaiting surgery.

hehe... my ex used to spoil me rotten even though I didn't like Valentine's Day.... Thanks for the suggestions though.. I think I just might treat myself to a manicure/pedicure.... and instead of just a 'heart day", make it a "heal my heart day'!

My husband brings me flowers from the fields, as they come in season. Valintines day has taken a different meaning since we had children I now focus on getting them valintines to give their classmates this year it's smarties in a box that you can write on(one for everyone in the class regardless of popularity)

This day is also Lacey's birthday but apart form an extra treat she's not getting a party.

I was in Walmart and picked up a singing/dancing fox for my husband(not that he'll apreciate it) but I liked it.

She,the fox, wears a bathrobe and sings "come and get your love" while opening said bathrobe and wiggling her hips. I think it's a hoot.

hehe... my ex used to spoil me rotten even though I didn't like Valentine's Day.... Thanks for the suggestions though.. I think I just might treat myself to a manicure/pedicure.... and instead of just a 'heart day", make it a "heal my heart day'!

That sounds a great plan, Amiga Girl! Pamper yourself royally!

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When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself - Wayne Dyer

This was hubby and I many years ago,celebrating in Mexico(I think it was )cute,eh??
This year,it will be us and the kitties and if the weather stays the way it has bee,we'll BBQ some steaks,have a wee drink etc...after 40 looong years of marriage,we really need no Valentine:love:

hehe... my ex used to spoil me rotten even though I didn't like Valentine's Day.... Thanks for the suggestions though.. I think I just might treat myself to a manicure/pedicure.... and instead of just a 'heart day", make it a "heal my heart day'!

you and me both Amiga Girl I made an appointment for myself for massage and at the groomer's for the bebbes so we can all be pampered

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"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you"
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Actually we are going to the pee wee hockey dance on Valentines with a band, the Young Ens, this will be our third year going, Shcnauser girl may have heard of them. its part of the winter carnival here, the next day we take the kids and go see the carnival parade. Truthfully though the last couple of years I havent felt so good at the parade. Not really sure why though.

For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year.

Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year (a change that no doubt disappointed a few young men). Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine.

Hmmm, I'm not big on choc's or roses ...is it too late to bring back Lupercalia? With an equal rights amendment of course !